Entries Tagged 'Serum' ↓
March 3rd, 2010 — Arbonne, Cosmetics, Review, Serum
I sleep on my side. Generally, I would wake up with deep creases across my chest up to my neck. I have been faithful about using products on my chest the past few years, but nothing has really done much.
Except, it’s been 5 days using Arbonne’s body serum and lotion on my chest, arms, feet.
The first day when I woke, I had no deep creases.
Here’s what I look like after 5 days.
Repeat after me: they better never discontinue this product. I will never be without it.
What do you think?
Pretty amazing, isn’t it. Do you use these products? If you have a need, you should!
I’ve been using 3 pumps/arms (now I use 4, one for each quadrant); 1/2-1 pump on my chest; 1 pump/foot of the serum. I haven’t made a dent in the serum. I might have used up about an inch of the lotion — 1 pump covers both arms, basically; 1 short pump for each foot; short pump for my chest. I use whatever is left over for my hands.
To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don’t have a representative, just ask me.
Karin
Originally posted 2009-05-23 09:22:25.
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January 30th, 2010 — Age, Cosmetics, Lifting, Serum, Truth in advertising, Un femme d'un certain age, Youthens
Holding back the hands of time seems like a full time job after a while! Well, not really, but still…
How does one get or maintain beautiful skin?
The long and the short of it is: prevent, solve, and maintain.
Does it really matter what you use or do?
How much is genetic?
Those are the million dollar questions. And companies are banking on the answer in research and development.
The answer is both. But with all the products on the market targeted to specific areas of skin, there is a product to solve nearly every skin situation from acne to dryness, even to wrinkles and sagging.
That said, my mother-in-law who had beautiful skin used only Jergens original hand lotion on her face for years. Then she stopped for some reason, perhaps because it was harder to find.
I’d be afraid to do that. I’ve used specific products from the time I was about 18. Some of them I am still using. The rest I try, rotate, return or rebuy.
Try some new products
Everyone finds products that work for them at a price they are willing to pay and can afford. But if you are still using what you’ve used for 10 years, you might consider trying some of the newer products available as some of them are cutting edge. Don’t discount trying products from companies such as Olay or Avon, both of which have some good, and sometimes very good, skin care.
Add a serum, if you have not used one — or consider a different one.
I think our skin gets used to a product and it ceases to work as well — or it has reached its optimum level. Switching products will sometimes jumpstart the skin.
How can you get past the hype?
How much can you believe when images are photoshopped?
Good questions. Dunno. Try them for yourself; listen to your friends, if they have tried them; read blogs such as this one; check out reviews online at MUA or other places.
What about all the claims?
Frankly, to me, most of the claims sound the same. Large percentages see improved moisturization, lessening of wrinkles, smoother texture, brighter look… I always wonder if they are taking someone who has never done anything — or if they are taking someone like me who has kept abreast of the products. It stands to reason that there will be greater results on a person who has neglected their skin than someone who has cared for it.
What do you do for your skin?
What are your specific concerns?
Is there something you would like me to discuss?
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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January 29th, 2010 — Aromaleigh, Avon, Awake, Beauticontrol, Cosmetics, Estee Lauder, Olay, Prescriptives, Serum, Signature Club A
Here are several Vitamin C products that I like a lot:
My faves
Awake
I like the fact that you use only as much as you wish, and it liquifies in your hand as the warm of your fingers touches it.
Lancome
Sensation Totale, which has been discontinued. I love the feel of this. It makes your skin silky. I don’t know anything about the product they say is replacing it — and it makes no mention of vitamin C.
Estee Lauder
Perfectionist Cp+ is a great product and feels terrific on the skin. It is supposed to build collagen within two hours. I don’t know that it contains vitamin C but the “C” is in the name. Every time you walk through a store, put some from their tester on the back of your hands. If it works that fast on your hands, it must work on your face.
Beauticontrol has three C products. I have not tried these because I have the others, but I have several beauticontrol products that I love, and I would think these would be excellent.
Aromaleigh
I have tried 25% Vitamin C Serum- I like it a lot. I will likely begin to try the other products too.
Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It’s in my rotation of C products.
My second choice category
Olay
Olay Regenerist and Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer plus Touch of Foundation both have Vitamin C. In general, I like Olay products. I’m not sure they are as heavy duty as the Awake one.
Mary Kay TimeWise® Replenishing Serum+C
Mary Kay has come out with a C serum product in 2009. They were late to the party.
Give collagen a boost.* Help skin bounce back.
With TimeWise® Replenishing Serum+C, skin will appear lifted and firmed. This antioxidant-rich serum is formulated with ingredients that enhance the production of new collagen and help keep existing collagen from breaking down. It also contains ingredients known to support elastin. The formula is enriched with a potent blend of multiple botanical sources, known for their high levels of vitamin C.
The four weekly vials help maximize product freshness and provide an effective weekly application measurement to help you get the best results for your money. MaryKay.com
I don’t see or feel as much difference when I use this as I do with the Estee Lauder. However, you can see how dramatic the above picture makes it look. This is a customer’s unretouched photo, not the company’s. I continue to use the product on my neck — truthfully, I had not used a serum C on my neck before. I see a difference. I wish it were as dramatic, but then again, my before look is more youthful.
Avon
I did not care for the Avon one I tried a number of years ago. It was gold colored and sort of sticky. I don’t know if they still make it. It’s possible they have reformulated it. You can’t go wrong with their product guarantee.
I have not tried these
Lumene, which is available from CVS, also has a C line, day and night creams, eye cream and serum. I’ve not tried that line either.
Prescriptives also has a line of C products, but I have not tried them.
Do you use a C serum?
What is your favorite?
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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January 28th, 2010 — Age, Aromaleigh, Avon, Chanel, Clarins, Cle de Peau, Dior, Estee Lauder, Guerlain, La Prairie, Lancome, Lumene, Mary Kay, Serum, Shiseido, Signature Club A, Un femme d'un certain age
Here are some thoughts on various types of serums and the links to posts where I have written more specifically. Some of the serums are pricing their way out of my price point. There are actually some that are over $1000 being marketed in Japan. I suspect some are worth it; others are not.
Whenever possible, let a beauty advisor put some on your skin. See if it is possible to get a small amount to try at home before you commit to a big purchase.
This is only a partial list, as I have thought of them. I will continue to update, as I think of it.
Body Serum
Arbonne has a wonderful body serum and body lotion. You can find my review at the above link.
Facial Serums
There are also serums targeted for eyes.
Anti-Wrinkle
La Prairie CELLULAR Retexturizing Booster
This just might be a miracle product. Whenever I apply it, I see immediate results. I generally use it for several days at a time, then I give it a rest and use it again when I see the need. It is expensive, but it really works. I think it works better than Renova. Price: $185.00 | 30 ml / 1.0 oz. (Unfortunately, it’s possible this is no longer available. I have not tried any of the comparible LP serums to see if a newer one is as good.)
Serums with Vitamin C
Many companies have C-serums because they work. I have used C products for years. Mary Kay is one of the companies that has just added a C formula. If you can’t beat them, join them. The important thing is to find a C serum that works for you, then use it.
Here’s a partial list of companies that have C-serums: Awake, MK, Aromaleigh (generic), Lancome, Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Avon, Lumene. Choose the link above to see my thoughts on each.
Arbonne has a number of excellent serums, including lifting, RE9 (with C), and Revelage (whitening) I won’t be without the lifting or the whitening.
Avon has been a leader in skin care, very innovative. They were the first line to come out with an alpha-hydroxy — and it made a big difference in my skin. Their anew products are excellent. I do not care for either of their pump serums that they had a couple of years ago, because they smelled so bad. I recommend smelling them before buying to see if they still smell. I didn’t notice a huge difference like I did with their alpha-hydroxy products. Some of their products are targeted by age.
Beauticontrol
Beauticontrol makes several serums that I like. Some are targeted for 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s skin. I’ve liked Regeneration Gold for years. It’s a two step process that mixes when you pump it. It used to be that one was red, the other white. Now one is green, the other white. I do not know if it is the same product. Regeneration Platinum Plus is supposed to be the next step up, but it rolls on my skin, so I use it only on my neck and chest and bought more of the Regeneration Gold. They make C products, but I’ve not tried them as I have others that I am using at the moment.
Chanel Serums
Chanel makes a number of serums, and they are all excellent. It depends on your price point and your skin concerns. Sublimage products kept me moist even in the dryness of Las Vegas, using no other moisturizers layered in. The Radiance line has an excellent hydrating serum. As an aside, I did not care for Sublimage eye cream.
Clarins
I have used Super Restorative Serum. I likely might buy it again. I like what it says it does; I’m not sure I saw it doing it. I tended to use it more for hydrating than anything else. When I opened the container, when it seemed empty, there were still several days worth of product left. I put it in a small jar and used it to the last drop.
On the whole I like Clarins products, so I suspect their other serums would be good too. Their beauty advisers are generally knowledgeable and happy to help you. They are good about giving small samples to try.
Cle de Peau serums
Cle de Peau is the high end Shiseido line. CdP makes a number of serums, and they all feel good. I’m not sure how to choose one over the other. I have one. I’m not convinced it does anything particularly, but that might be because I tend to use others that I have.
Dior Serums
Dior makes some excellent serums. Capture Totale and HydrAction are two that I have tried. Capture Totale came highly recommended by a woman in NYC who swears by it.
Guerlain serums
Orchidee Imperiale is their highest, newest line. It is excellent. Super Aqua-Serum came highly recommended on the strength of one older woman who works for Guerlain whose skin is exceptionally beautiful. It’s a toss up which is better. Take your pick. They also have Success Future and Substantific serums. I get my Guerlain from Claire at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Call 702) 732-7008 or email GuerlainPalazzo.STORE@lvmhuspc.com
Hydrating serums
La Prairie CELLULAR HYDRATING SERUM is an excellent hydrator, one of the very best. It is lightweight. It works by binding moisture to the skin and restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier. A little goes a long ways and it stays fresh in the bottle. I use it generally on very cold days or whenever my face feels like it needs more moisture from the inside out. Price: $185.00
La Prairie Serums
Like Chanel, these are excellent, and it depends on your price point. I have not tried the latest lines.
Shiseido serums
Shiseido has a number of serums that are all excellent. Again, it depends on your price point and what you are hoping to accomplish.
Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It’s in my rotation of C products.
Retinol Wrinkle Penetrating Capsules 12 Hour Release $32.50
This is in my rotation. I like it a lot.
Viviane Woodard
I’ve used these products since I was 18. They have a number of serums, including specialized ones to use at night. Their day time serums are very good and moderately priced. The evening ones really give your skin a boost. They are used only periodically. Unlike ones by La Prairie that are also used only occasionally, these will not break the bank. Likely they perform different functions, but they help the skin.
Whitening serums
Many companies offer whitening serums. They started first in Asian countries. It’s not surprising that Shiseido has one. If you want to break up an age spot the fastest possible way, then your best bet is laser. Be sure to use SPF every day along with these.
Arbonne Revelage is an excellent whitener, which works by breaking up dark spots from below and keeping them from forming from the top.
Mary Kay TimeWise® Even Complexion Essence
I consider this more of a preventative, than a curative. I want to see faster results. I have no patience.
What serums do you know, use and love?
As I think of more, I will update.
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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January 28th, 2010 — Estee Lauder, Lifting, Serum
Estee Lauder
Re-Nutriv
These might be excellent serums, but you couldn’t prove it by me. I prefer EL Perfectionist [CP+]. I have been told at least one of these serums is made to replace and include Perfectionist and Idealist (and possibly Night Repair.) For myself, I prefer to use individual serums depending on what my skin seems to need. Plus often gwp include small sample sizes of these individual serums so you can get a pretty good feel for how one of them works for you.
Intensive Lifting Serum $180
…continuous repair linked to continuous protection…a visible smoothing of lines…skin becomes silky-young to the touch…helps skin increase its own collagen production.
Ultimate Lifting Serum $200
Immediately creates a more lifted feeling. With continued use, exclusive OGG1 technology helps skin reduce the look of past UVA damage. Powerful boosters help skin increase
its own natural collagen production.
Use it faithfully for skin that looks more lifted, firmer, more defined and younger.
Perfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum $125 for 3.4 oz or $80 for 1.7 oz or $55 for 1 oz.
This one seems to do it all — it lifts and fills in. Peptides™ begin to amplify collagen production in just 2 hours based on in vitro testing. When I apply it to the back of my hand, I see and feel immediate results. I figure it is doing the same on my face. I never go past an EL counter without putting some on the back of my hands.
Here’s what EL says:
It’s our most effective wrinkle fighter ever.
Wrinkles appear significantly reduced instantly and all day long.
See a dramatic 61% reduction in the look of deep, prominent wrinkles in as fast as 4 weeks.
[It] reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots…Instantly skin looks less lined.
* See a 36% reduction in the apparent length, depth and number of lines and wrinkles.
* Fills in and visibly immobilizes wrinkles with a flexible elastomer.
* Skin looks brighter, fresher, more lineless.
Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher
Estee Lauder says:
Virtually poreless.
* Pores appear 1/3 smaller—instantly.
* See a 69% reduction in the look of pores in just 4 weeks.
* Repairs the look of uneven skin texture,flakiness and roughness.
* See more clarity and luminosity.
Advanced Night Repair
Synchronized Recovery Complex
This won ‘Best Serum’ Beauty Awards 2009 Fitness Magazine, October 2009. It contains Hyaluronic Acid. I use this when I need a moisture boost. I also use it in the daytime.
This comprehensive, high-performance anti-aging serum-inspired by groundbreaking DNA research-brings your skin a dramatic reduction in the visible signs of aging.
This advanced formula-with 20 patents worldwide-includes all the benefits you love about the original, plus more to help your skin repair itself like never before:
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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January 27th, 2010 — Age, Cosmetics, Serum, Un femme d'un certain age
What is a serum?
A serum is the first step of your skin care, after your cleanser and toner.
Does a serum hydrate?
It does not hydrate much, if at all; it is not a moisturizer. It is important to use a moisturizer afterward for that reason. It nourishes the skin by inserting ingredients into the skin.
What kinds of serums are there?
There are serums for every conceivable type of skin, and there are serums in development for the next level. Anti-aging serums, anti-wrinkle serums, skin brightening serums, acne preventative serums. to name a few.
What is the purpose of serums?
A serum delivers concentrated ingredients to deeper layers of your skin, whereas a moisturizer hydrates the top layers. The molecules of a serum need to be small enough to penetrate the layers of your skin.
Do you really need one?
Likely so, if you are a certain age. A serum boosts the ability of your skin to duplicate some of the natural functions of younger skin.
If you have not used serums, you will most likely see more changes when you begin to use one, than if you have been using serums for a number of years.
But serums are becoming increasingly sophisticated — and sometimes pricey — so newer serums can make a difference over the older, familiar ones.
How does a serum work?
The texture of a serum is more liquid than even a lotion moisturizer. It penetrates quickly. It is designed to get anti-aging ingredients, like peptides or vitamins, CoQ10 or retinol into your skin.
What do I do?
I have a number of serums. I alternate them depending on what I feel like or what I feel like my skin needs. I haven’t found that any particular one works better than any other particular one.
Why change serums?
I find that by rotating them or alternating them, they tend to work better than if I continue to use one alone. My skin doesn’t get bored with it.
Additionally, if you are still using the serum you used even three years ago, chances are today’s serums are better — and it’s possible that your skin has changed enough to need a different formula, or one that is even more targeted.
Day or night?
Either, or both. You might use a different one in the evening than in the morning.
The prevailing thought today (and remember that theories change, so my best advice is to do for your skin what works the best for it, regardless of current thought on it) is that a daytime anti-aging moisturizing routine should protect and hydrate and should include UV ray blockers.
The strong feeling is that your night-time routine needs to regenerate your skin, as well as hydrate it. The thought is that repair and regeneration takes place at night. Whether this is truly so or not, remains to be seen over the next few years.
Do you use serums?
Do you have a favorite? My next post will share some of my faves.
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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September 23rd, 2009 — Arbonne, Review, Serum, Truth in advertising, Youthens
Arbonne’s Revelage line targets areas of the skin that are darker to break them up, not only from the top, but from within so they are less likely to come to the surface. This is a new technology; they do not use bleaching agents.
If you’ve ever looked at your skin under the dermatologist’s light, you know that what you see on the surface of your skin is only the tip of the iceberg, and thankfully, as far as I’m concerned, I don’t know that they will ever surface in their entirety, especially if we are vigilant to use sunscreen.
Formulated to provide a brightened, flawless complexion with exclusive, targeted skin-perfecting ingredients, Revelâge works to reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation, freckles and age spots. … learn how these products work together to promote a brighter, even-toned appearance. Arbonne
I tend to like my freckles — I think they look youthful — but when they get too noticeable, I’d like to lessen the effect of them.
Intense or Light Integration
There are two ways to use the products — intense or light. I feel a third way is that you could jump start the appearance of your skin occasionally, when you want to look your very best.
Intense is a misnomer, if you are thinking harsh. They are not harsh in the least.
These products are used along with the RE9 line in some combination to regulate whether you are using them intensely or lightly. For now, I consult the sheet to know what order and what products to combine.
Revelage Concentrated Age Spot Minimizer $45.00. This is used day and night as the first step, followed by the Re9 Serum or the Revelage Night Serum.
Highly concentrated formula precisely targets and delivers powerful antioxidant and brightening ingredients to skin to diminish the appearance of stubborn age spots and skin discoloration. Arbonne
Revelage Age Spot Brightening Day Cream with SPF 30 $55.00 This replaces the Re9 Cream, if you are using an intense integration. It is cosmetic and preventative. I love the instant look of my skin when I apply it.
Lightweight moisturizer provides luminosity and a brightening effect to the appearance of age spots and helps prevent signs of premature skin aging due to sun exposure. Arbonne
Revelage Intensive Pro-Brightening Night Serum $60.00 This is used for Intense Integration in place of Revelage Serum.
High-performance serum contains proprietary, time-release Revelâge Complex to target dark spots, resulting in a more luminous, younger looking complexion. Arbonne.
My take:
I’ve used these products for the last three days, and I love them. If you have ever used a bleaching agent from a dermatologist, you likely know you have to use it continuously and even then it hardly works. These products work for me with the first application, with no bleaching agent.
My skin was noticeably brighter after one application of day and night, and I loved the appearance of my skin with the cosmetic effects of the day cream. I felt it looked as if my skin were lit from within. It really was luminous. The lighter areas of my skin were brighter.
I really like the idea of breaking up what is beneath the surface so that dark areas are less likely to come to the fore.
Here’s what I looked like the second day. I don’t know if it’s as apparent as it is to me. I love it when a product works!
Hands
I like this hand lotion as it is not greasy, but it is nicely moisturizing, and it is fragrance free. It does not conflict with any fragrance I might wear. I do not have any age spots on my hands, so I can’t speak for that aspect of using it.
Revelage Age Spot Brightening Hand Therapy with SPF 30 $37.50
Helps diminish the appearance of age spots and fine lines on hands, while helping prevent new discolorations from forming.
Have you tried any of these products?
What do you think?
Let me know if you’d like Bookgirl to order for you, if you don’t have a consultant.
There is a 10% savings if you order the duo together:
Revelage Age Spot Brightening Duo
Intensive Pro-Brightening Night Serum, plus Age Spot Brightening Day Cream with SPF 30. A $115 value, for $103.50.
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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August 28th, 2009 — Arbonne, Chanel, Serum, Truth in advertising, Using up product
Do you ever wonder what is inside the packaging of some of your product? Are you like me? Do you cut open most things to see what is left and use it up to the last drop?
This is one seriously strange, strange packaging, and I wouldn’t mind being illuminated by someone.
The container claims to have 125 ml or 4.2 oz of product. In size, the container is larger by 1/3 than the 6.8 oz, 200 ml, bottle of Hydra-Serum Multi-Vitamin Body Moisture Gel (which is no longer made.)
In all honesty, this body oil is like the proverbial pot of oil in the Bible, it just does not quit! (I keep hoping!)
I cut it open with an exacto blade (carefully as it is very hard packaging), thinking there might be a little more in the bottom.
Then I noticed, after I cut it open, that the bottom has a hole in it, which means that there is no product in the container, just in that black tubey thing.
Which looks like it would hold about 1 oz at most.
So, seriously, how does it work? What do you think?
And it is still going strong, actually giving out larger, fuller sprays since I opened it up.
On another subject, I opened up Arbonne’s REfinish Hydrating Body Lotion. It was difficult to do, but I did it. There was, possibly 1/4 – 1/8 tsp of product left in the container. I was unable to open the REactivating Body Serum, but I held it up to the light and angled the bottle in the direction of what little product was left in it (both push up from the bottom.) I got about 3-4 more days of use out of it and felt I had used it up to the last drop. At either $87 for the duo or $25 with other purchases, it’s important not to waste.
Clarins Super Restorative Serum had several days worth of product still left in the container, when I opened it.
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
do not steal my posts, you know who you are!
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May 28th, 2009 — Arbonne, Lifting, Review, Serum
I received REversing Gelee Transforming Lift in my order — it comes free if you order the full size skin care set. (A $45.50 savings!) I do love the way my skin looks in the week that I’ve starting using the Arbonne products.
I’ve used this RG now 3 times — yesterday morning and evening and this morning.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, wheat germ and pea extracts.
I can see a difference, can you?
Method of application:
Apply after cleansing and toner. Wait 2-3 minutes before adding moisturizer or night cream.
How it works
It feels as though it tightens and lifts. In a way, it feels like a mask, but you don’t wash it off. I’m not 100% sure if it is a preventative and curative product (I think it is) or if it only is a cosmetic effect. The effect is that my skin looks tighter.
My take
If you notice the woman’s eyes, I have a little of that going on. I feel that eye is lots better after one day. I also thought I could add a bit more of the lift during the day, if I wanted it to be refreshed again.
I also find my eyes look worse when I’m traveling, even when I use my own pillow, which I do. I’m not sure if that travel-look is because of different time zones or more salt in my diet, but I feel this product would alleviate that too.
So far, all the products I’ve tried have done what they said they would, unlike the products I’ve tried before. So, I expect this one to, also.
In a month, I’ll compare pictures side by side.
What do you think?
Do you use this one?
To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don’t have a representative, just let me know and I will put her in touch.
Karin
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May 19th, 2009 — Arbonne, Review, Serum
If you are looking for a miracle product, this might just be it. So far as I know, this may be one of only a few serums developed for your body vs. for your face, neck or decolletage. Creme de La Mer also has a body serum.
This is a Swiss formula, made in the United States.
How I became familiar with these products
On the strength of the above picture
I first saw the above picture posted in a local bead shop. On one arm, the woman had used these products once a day for 2 weeks. After two weeks, one arm looked like it belonged to a 90 year old woman and the other arm looks 40 at max. I couldn’t believe the difference.
I just showed Book Girl the pictures. She looked at me and said, “You’d never not use these products!”
On the strength of the picture, I would have bought the products, but the place where I saw the picture posted, did not have it on hand. So…fast forward a lot of weeks, and here I am using it.
Sherri tells me she bought the products without ever trying them on the strength of the picture. I felt I wanted to try them first; it’s just the way I am.
And, lucky for all of us, it doesn’t have the usual disclaimer, ‘results not typical.’
So, does that mean the results are typical?!
Using the products on feet
A coupla days ago I was hanging around one of my favorite bead and sundry shops. The owner exclaimed over how fab Sherri looks (she does). Sherri told us it was Arbonne. Then she told us about her heels and her chest.
Let me tell you, her heels look like a baby’s. And her chest isn’t far behind, even though she is a sun worshiper.
What I’m dealing with
My heels
My feet do not look bad, but they are dry. And I’m bad about using foot creams. Sometimes I do; sometimes I don’t. My bad. At least I’m honest. The reason: it masks the problems, doesn’t really seem like it does anything. Contrast to the Arbonne products which actually work.
I wear sandals mostly, and I’ve got some callouses.
My arms
I want my arms to be the best they can be. LOL! I see some changes that I’m not exactly enamoured with. You know what I mean, doncha ya.
My take
My feet — they felt silky from the first application. (I’ve applied twice now.) It has a totally different feel than any foot cream I’ve ever used. And it’s not like using an Alpha-hydroxy.
My arms — I didn’t notice as much difference on my arms re feel as on my feet. But I’m expecting very good things.
Edit update: After using this product for about 6 mos on my arms, I would never be without it. At first I wondered if it moisturized as well as what I had been using, because my arms didn’t feel coated with product at the end of the day, the way it did with other products.
But the difference is that with other products, the way I would describe it, my skin couldn’t breathe, but with the Arbonne my skin breathes. Many people find it clears up their exzema or psoriasis. Perhaps that is why.
My chest
I’ve been seriously taking care of it for a while. I will often use night cream. I’m starting to use this product. I saw an immediate difference.
Are they scented?
Yes, they smell like sweet orange. This is one of my favorite scents anyway. I thought it might conflict with other fragrances I wear, but it does not. Shortly after application, the scent goes away. It lingered until morning when I wore long sleeves to bed.
How do I apply them?
Currently I am using up other products on my legs. When they are gone, I will use this exclusively on my body.
Serum
I apply one squirt of serum to each lower arm and to each upper arm (4 squirts.) I smooth each in before I apply the next. I find I use less product this way than applying to my hands and smoothing over all. Anything left on my hands goes on my decolletage or the back of my shoulders. (If I feel I need to boost my decolletage, I use 1/2 or 1 squirt of the serum and a bit of the lotion.)
Lotion:
I use 1 – 1 1/2 squirts of the lotion for both arms. I apply this into one hand, rub my hands together and smooth over both arms.
How much are they? $$$ Gulp.
3.15 fl oz of serum is $42; 7.34 oz body lotion is $45.
However, it might be the best money you ever spent, unless you are putting something on your face.
It isn’t near as expensive as La Prairie products.
With every $150 purchase of other Arbonne products on the same order, these two products (RE9 body serum and body lotion) are offered for $25 combined. That makes them very doable. Every time I order $150, I make sure to get these too for the special price.
Do you use these products?
What do you think? I love them already. My feet are saying, “Thank you.”
Remember that these are Swiss formula products, made in the United States. I think that is why they work so well. (La Prairie is also Swiss. Creme de la Mer is German.)
Do you want some?
If you are interested in trying anything and do not have a representative, let us know. Book Girl will be glad to help you.
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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March 23rd, 2009 — Brands, Clarins, Cosmetics, Lip Balm, Serum
I never met a Clarins product I didn’t like. A French based company, it is known for its skin care and uses no animal products.
They offer nice size sampling of various skin care products, enough to let you know if you like it for your skin or not. Several times a year you can book a facial massage with them, where trained estheticians apply their products to give you a facial massage and makeover. The SA is also able to give you a makeover on the spot, minus the massage.
I’m not going to discuss every product, that’s what the SAs are for. They will help you determine what would work best for your skin type.
I’m just going to discuss a couple of my faves.
A magic product
This product really works. It helps obscure lines, a sort of magic optical illusion. It isn’t heavy or greasy. When I use it, I apply it over my makeup just in places that need help. The product stays true over time.
Super Restorative Serum
This serum is one of the better ones on the market.
Color Quench Lip Balm
This is an excellent lip balm. It is worth getting in several colors.
Emollient, but not sticky. Color 03 is beautiful, as they all are, as a highlight up the center of the lip. It is almost an apricot.
Moisture Lip Balm
This is essentially the same product without color.
Clarins HydraQuench Cream
A reader told me this is the best moisturizer she ever used.
Color Stories
Their color stories are usually interesting. They have had some really superb colors in eye pencils.
My View
I don’t think you can go wrong with any product you wanted to try. I consider them a mid-range price point. They aren’t super expensive, like La Prairie, but they are not inexpensive either.
Do you use Clarins? What is your favorite product?
Karin
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March 14th, 2009 — Avon, Beauticontrol, Chanel, Clinique, Equal opportunity customer, Estee Lauder, Eye cream, Guerlain, La Prairie, Lancome, Mary Kay, Olay, Serum, Shiseido, Using up product, Viviane Woodard
Take care of your skin today, it will thank you in 10 years. Or sooner!
I will be posting individual reviews in each category, but they are not ready to go up. This is a short synopsis.
Avon has a comparison of before and after pictures, in recent catalogs of models at different ages, with and without their products, using corrective products for their age as well as skin types. What a difference!
I showed the picture to a friend who didn’t believe that makeup was all it took. But any of us who know how we look with and without makeup, know it can be the truth.
She saw a TV show not too long ago where they debunked a particular product. I believe it was for the eyes. I told her that some eye creams do what they say, see below.
Meantime I saw a beautiful black woman the other day. She was wearing blush and lipstick, for sure. Her skin was luminous. I complimented her, then said, I bet she hears that a lot.
“Yes,” she said. “And I never do anything to it. I have to thank my mother and father. I am a combination of my mother and my father’s skin.”
As we talked further, she repeated, “I never do anything to it.”
Then, the kicker: “All I’ve ever done is use Clinique’s 3 step for twenty-five years.”
It works for her! And she didn’t think she was doing anything?
My adage:
It is easier to prevent than to correct.
It was explained to me once that the only part of our body that we rarely cover is our face. Everything else can be hidden. Don’t crimp on your face.
Do skin products really work?
Yes, some of them really do.
Nearly all lines show before and after pictures of women who used their products over time.
Do they have to be expensive?
No, but some of them are.
Avon makes some great skin care, age appropriate. They are also leaders in research and development.
Some drug store brands work; some department store brands. Guerlain makes many great products. Clarins. Clinique. Estee Lauder. Lancome. La Prairie. Olay. Shiseido. Cle de Peau. Avon. Mary Kay. I wear them all, and I always use Viviane Woodard moisturizer (since I was 18.) I am truly an equal opportunity customer.
Do you have to wear all products from one line?
No, but often SAs want to make you think so. OTOH, some products are meant to go together.
I wear different brands for different products. I don’t wear one brand-specific. I do use some products together that are meant to be used together.
I go by how my face looks or feels any given day.
What about the weather?
Yes, change moisture products when the weather changes. In general, heavier formulations of products (creams) when it is very cold or you will be exposed to wind. During hot weather, lotions or oil control products. Use this same idea for your foundation. Use a lighter one in summer.
Exfoliate your skin
Moisturizers penetrate better if you exfoliate regularly.
There are many ways to do this: masks that peel or not; Retin-A or other similar products; scrubs (gentle, please, don’t use a foot scrub on your face); cleansers that contain beads (Mary Kay Timewise is great, needs no toner, and comes in different formulas); diamond exfoliators (Mary Kay’s Microdermabrasion Set is great.)
Sunscreen? Limit hours in the sun.
Faithfully! I never go without it.
Don’t forget your neck. I probably did for far too long. I am currently using on my neck a sunscreen I don’t like on my face. Hurray, gonna finish a jar.
My favorite sunscreen is:
I am currently using one with spf of 85.
How can you tell if it is only hype?
How can I tell if I need it, or if it works for me?
If you wonder if you need it, you probably do. Start preventative early, so you don’t have to correct later.
Compare your skin with and without it. See my next post, that more fully explains how to make comparisons.
If you see no discernible difference or you don’t like how it smells or feels, consider returning the product. Companies don’t know, if we don’t return products.
Serums used before moisturizers? C-products? Copper products?
These have their place.
Fine lines around the mouth?
Chanel has a good product.
Be faithful to use exfoliation. I’ve written earlier about both Beauticontrol and Mary Kay having good lip exfoliation-balm sets.
How about eye creams?
Do I really need a separate eye cream?
Yes, after a certain age for sure. And hopefully sooner as preventative. Eye creams work differently than face creams.
Eye creams are made for specific problems.
If you have fine lines; if you need lifting; if your eyes are puffy, there are products specific for each.
Lifting Products
In general, lifting products can be drying (tightening), so you might need to moisturize. You might notice your lines becoming more prominent. Use a lifting product during the day; moisturize at night. Or, layer them during the day.
Puffy eyes
If your eyes are puffy from water retention — maybe you cried or you are traveling (like happens to me, even though I use my own pillow usually — eye creams can help this. A magic product is Chanel’s Precision Eye Cream. It takes care of puffiness. I haven’t found anything better. And it works better than their mega uber expensive Sublimage line.
But if your eyes are puffy from genetics because of fatty deposits, no eye cream is going to affect that. Unfortunately, to take care of that means having surgical removal. This can be done at the time of an eye lift or separately, but it is considered cosmetic as far as insurance is concerned, whereas the eye lift portion would be covered if you are having trouble seeing because of the skin sagging around your eyes. Eye cream will keep your eyes hydrated.
Don’t forget your hands!
See my separate post here.
That’s all for now. Anything else you want me to share?
Book Girl says I should tell you that I’m 70, that way you’d think I look great. Fortunately or unfortunately, I am not 70. On good days, in good light, with great makeup, I do not look my age. We won’t speak of other times.
Karin
If you do not have a Mary Kay consultant, consider buying from mine. Tell her Karin sent you.
If you do not have a Beauticontrol consultant, please contact me for information on mine.
If you do not have an Avon rep, mine is great. You can tell her Karin sent you.
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